U.A.H.C. in Chicago Denies Admission of New Reform Congregation

February 20, 1964

CHICAGO (Feb. 19)

A committee of the Chicago Federation of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, embracing Reform temples, has refused to approve membership for the Tree Towns Congregation, a new group serving 48 families in a west suburban area of this city, according to The Sentinel, the Chicago Jewish weekly.

Rabbi Dan Isaacs, spiritual leader of the Tree Towns Congregation, was quoted as saying that the rabbi of nearby Oak Park Temple had objected to the formation of the new group. However, Rabbi Leonard J. Mervis, spiritual leader of Oak Park Temple, has refused to comment. The denial of membership is reportedly the first ever recorded here in synagogal affairs among the Reform congregations.